ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar informs that Rabi area coverage has increased by 24.13 lakh ha over last year
Taking stock of the Rabi crops position with senior officials, the Minister hopes that Rabi crops area coverage is expected to accelerate further in the coming days
Area coverage reported under Wheat is 152.88 lakh ha as compared to 138.35 lakh ha of the corresponding period of last year
Shri Tomar says, a good Rabi harvest is expected due to favourable soil moisture condition, better live water storage position and comfortable availability of fertilisers across the country
The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar informed that
Rabi area coverage has increased by 24.13 lakh ha over last year.
Taking stock of the Rabi crops position with senior officials, Shri Tomar expressed satisfaction that so far, area coverage reported under Wheat is 152.88 lakh ha as compared to 138.35 lakh ha of the corresponding period of last year, as major Wheat growing states have reported increased area coverage as compared to last year. For Wheat, there is an increase in area coverage by 14.53 lakh ha over last year and this has been the highest ever since last four years.
As on 25.11.2022, total area sown under Rabi crops reported was 358.59 lakh ha  as compared to 334.46 lakh ha of the corresponding period of last year. Thus, Rabi area coverage has increased by 24.13 lakh ha over last year. 
Shri Tomar hoped that with favourable soil moisture condition, better live water storage position and comfortable availability of fertilisers across the country, Rabi crops area coverage is expected to accelerate further in the coming days and a good Rabi harvest can be expected.
Present live water storage in 143 important reservoirs across the country is 149.49 Billion Cubic Meter  which is 106 percent of the corresponding period of last year and 119 percent of average storage of last 10 years of the corresponding period. Soil moisture condition during 15-21 November, 2022 is more than the average of the past 7 years of the corresponding period in most of the districts. Availability of fertilizers against requirement for Rabi season is also comfortable across the country.
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Ministry of Jal Shakti
Secretary, Water Resources inaugurates workshop on “Increasing Water Use Efficiency in Industries”
Shri UP Singh calls upon Industry to adopt the Corporate Water Responsibility  as part of the CSR provisions
The Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation , Government of India, Shri U.P. Singh, has called upon the Industry to adopt the Corporate Water Responsibility  as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility  provisions. Addressing the inaugural session of the workshop on “Increasing Water Use Efficiency in Industries” organized by the National Water Mission  here today as part of the “HarKaamDeshkeNaam” initiative, he said compared to global standards, our industry still makes very inefficient use of water. There is a need for a baseline study in various industries on the use of water in order to reduce water consumption, he added.
Expressing concern over depletion of underground water table, Shri UP Singh said we are drawing 2.5 times more ground water than what percolates down under to maintain the water table level. Overexploitation of groundwater resources has led us to water scarcity, he said.
“Punjab and Haryana, what are generally termed as the granary of India, may still be producing more crop of about 5,000 tonnes per hectare compared to around 3,000 tons in Jharkhand or Chhattisgarh, but the per unit productivity of water in these states is much more than in Punjab-Haryana,” said Shri UP Singh. “The real worry for us is not the traditionally dry regions like Bundelkhand, but the situation that has arisen in Haryana and Punjab,” he added.
Pointing out that climate change has led to spatial and temporal changes in rainfall pattern in recent years, Shri UP Singh said, as a result we will face increasing frequency of drought and floods following changes in intensity and amplitude of rainfall.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri G. Ashok Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, NWM, said the paper and pulp industry has been able to reduce water consumption by half but much more can be done as it is still five to ten times more than global standards.
Election Commission
Snap Shot –Preparations for Phase-1 General Elections -2019
The voting for the first phase of General Elections-2019 to elect people’s representatives for the 17thLok Sabha gets underway tomorrow on Thursday, 11th April. 91 Lok Sabha seats are in the fray, spread over 20 states and UTs. Here are few interesting sidelights from some of the poll bound states: —
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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- The voters include 41 Great Nicobarese tribes of Strait Islands, 65 Onge tribes at Hut Bay and approximately 100 Shompen tribes of Campbell Bay.
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Arunachal Pradesh
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- Polling Station with least number of electors: Malogam Temporary Structure in Malogam Village under 45-Hayuliang  Assembly Constituency: 1 - Only One female voter.
- Polling Station No. 18-Luguthang under 3-Mukto  Assembly Constituency is the Highest Polling Station located at an altitude of about 13,583 feet.
- 11 Polling Stations exclusively for female voters have been set up in the state.
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Mizoram
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- For Bru refugees, who are living in camps in Tripura, 15 special polling booths have been set up in Kanhmun at Mizoram - Tripura border.
- Mizoram holds a unique feature among the parliamentary constituencies with 100% voters having Elector Photo Identity Cards .
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Sikkim
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- Highest polling booth in Sikkim situated close to the India-China border at an altitude of 13,500 feet in Gnathang Valley for 180 registered voters from 21-Gnathang Machong Assembly constituency will vote on April 11.
- 39 All Women polling stations set up manned by all women polling parties and police forces.
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Meghalaya
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- 52% Women voters in Meghalaya, while 32.34 per cent are in the 20-29 years age group
- For the first time, BRAILE Voter id card-EPIC makes debut in Meghalaya with BRAILE EPIC issued for usage of visually impaired
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Bihar
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- Tobacco Free Polling Booths: Bihar becomes the Second state in the country after Delhi to declare all polling booths for the 2019 Lok Sabha Election in the state tobacco free.
- Live Webcasting arrangements at 350 polling booths in the first phase of general elections to ensure free and fair polls.
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Uttar Pradesh
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- The total number of electors has increased by 55,06,336  since the previous General Election-2014 in the State.
- Out of these, 16,75,567 electors are in the age group of 18-19 years.
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
4 day long National Agrochemicals Congress concludes with recommendations for safe and judicious pesticide use in the country
The four day long National Agrochemicals Congress with the theme Country's Status on Various Fronts of Agrochemicals concluded here today. The plenary sessions had deliberations on Issues and Concerns of Agrochemicals for sustainable farming. Recommendations from the congress included labelling of pesticide indicating the mode of action, status of country’s preparedness in invasive exigencies, to rethink on restrictive banning of pesticides in view of risk based considerations, policy regarding data protection of imported technical pesticides, policy for introduction of safe nano-formulations and empowerment of farmers through training and extension.
In the concluding session, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member NitiAyog outlined the importance of responsible use of agrochemicals utilising precision technologies to reduce wastageof applied chemicals into environments.Prof. Chand advised the stakeholders to discourage false claims about agrochemicals and tackle the spread of wrong perception in public about agrochemicals. He exhorted agrochemicals scientists and microbiologists to workout on chemical and microbial interventions to transform biomass waste into a wealth.
DrTrilochanMohapatra, DG ICAR addressing the session said that agrochemicals will continue to play a major input in agriculture to meet the crop production targets and we must strive to ensure its safe and judicious use. He requested the scientists to comprehensively work upon the aspects of nano-pesticide approach to ensure safety of humans, livestock and environment.
Speaking at the session, Dr. Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAAsaid that there is a need for reorientation in the thought process of society with regard to agrochemicals and experts have a big role in this exercise. He emphasized upon liberalization of registration procedures, enforcement of regulations at state level and access to technical pesticides.
This was the first ever National Agrochemicals Congress and was held at IARI, Pusa. The Congress is being conducted by Society of Pesticide Science India, Division of Agricultural Chemicals, ICAR-IARI and it was announced that hereafter it will be conducted in three years. This yThe Congress is conducted in view of the role chemical pesticides still continue to play in pest management as more and more target specific and environment friendly products are being introduced. The benefits of pesticide use are high relative to their risks. New concepts in crops, human health, resource management, nanotechnology, smart formulations and related sciences are likely to boost agricultural productivity. With this background, current status of agrochemicals on various fronts have been collated for researchers and policy makers in order to ensure agriculture grow in a sustainable manner.
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- Over 178 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 77,152
- Active cases stand at 0.18%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.62%
- 14,947 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,23,53,620
- 6,561 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 77 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 8,82,953 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Defence
Acquisition of MQ-9B drones: Speculative reports uncalled for
The Defence Acquisition Council , on June 15, 2023, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity  for acquisition of 31 MQ-9B  High Altitude Long Endurance  Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems  for Tri-Services from the USA through Foreign Military Sale  route. The AoN included the number of UAVs to be procured along with associated equipment.
The AoN noted the estimated cost of 3,072 million US dollars provided by the US Government. However, price will be negotiated once policy approval of the US Government is received. The Ministry of Defence  will compare the acquisition cost with the best price offered by General Atomics  to other countries. The procurement is in progress and would be completed as per the laid down procedure.
Under the FMS route, a Letter of Request  would be sent to the US Government where Tri-services requirements, details of equipment and terms of the procurement would be included. Based on LOR, the US Government and MoD will finalise the Letter of Offer and Acceptance  where details of equipment and terms of the procurement would be negotiated and finalised in accordance with the FMS program and the price and terms offered by the US Government and GA to other countries.
Meanwhile, some speculative reports emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase. These are uncalled for, have ulterior motives and aimed at derailing the due acquisition process. Price and other terms & conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations. In this regard, all are requested not to spread fake news/misinformation which can have serious impact on the morale of the Armed Forces and adversely impact the acquisition process.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA IN WEST BENGAL; ATTENDS CIVIC RECEPTION IN KOLKATA
SACRIFICE AND MARTYRDOM, CULTURE AND EDUCATION HAVE BEEN THE LIFE-IDEALS IN THE LAND OF BENGAL: PRESIDENT MURMU
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of West Bengal in Kolkata this evening .
Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the government and people of West Bengal for the warm welcome. The President said that sacrifice and martyrdom, culture and education have been the life-ideals in the land of Bengal. The people of Bengal are cultured and progressive. The land of Bengal has given birth to immortal revolutionaries on one hand and prominent scientists on the other. From politics to the justice system, from science to philosophy, from spirituality to sports, from culture to business, from journalism to literature, cinema, music, drama, painting and other art forms, Bengal's remarkable pioneers have found new ways and methods in many fields.
The President said that even after reaching the highest pinnacle of success, the people of Bengal maintain their connection with their soil and keep on increasing the glory of Mother India. She appreciated the people of Bengal for this trait. She said that the people of Bengal have always given priority to the ideals of social justice, equality and self-respect. She was happy to note that a street on the former East Esplanade, in Kolkata has been named as 'Sido-Kanhu-Dahar'. She said that such initiatives give strength to the ideals of our freedom struggle, especially to the self-confidence and self-pride of our tribal brothers and sisters.
Please click here to see the President's Speech
IFSC Authority
Committee of Experts on Sustainable Finance submits report to IFSCA
A ‘Committee of Experts on Sustainable Finance’, constituted by International Financial Services Centres Authority  submitted its final report to Chairperson, IFSCA on October 03, 2022. The committee was chaired by Shri C.K. Mishra, Former Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. The committee members comprised of leaders and experts from the entire sustainable finance ecosystem including national and international institutions which can be accessed through the link:
https://ifsca.gov.in/IFSCACommittees
The main focus areas of the committee were directed towards aligning the IFSC regulations with the international best practices, exploring ways in which capital flows through IFSC can be enhanced and also support development of innovative financial products in the area of green and sustainable finance. The committee has provided its recommendation on various aspects of sustainable finance including products, policies and regulations, capacity building and outreach initiatives related to green and sustainable finance.
Some important recommendations include developing a voluntary carbon market, framework for transition bonds, enabling de-risking mechanisms, promoting regulatory sandbox for green fintech and facilitating the creation of a global climate alliance among others. Considering the significance of the MSME sector in the economic development of the country, the committee also proposes setting up of a dedicated MSME platform for sustainable lending. The committee recommends to facilitate the use of innovative instruments such as catastrophe bonds, municipal bonds, green securitisation, blended finance among others. Focusing on the need to enhance capital flows in IFSC, the committee endorses the need to enable aggregation facilities, impact funds, green equity etc. in IFSC. In addition to the above, it recommends IFSCA to play a vital role in capacity building which lays the foundation for greening the financial system.
The Committee Chair Shri C. K. Mishra on submission of the report expressed his gratitude to IFSCA for providing the opportunity for working on an issue which is of utmost importance for nations across the globe. He said. “The unique mix of the committee members and the vast canvas on which the recommendations are based will surely provide the right start for the efforts being taken by IFSCA and project it as the hub for sustainable finance.”
Chairperson, IFSCA thanked the committee of experts for their comprehensive recommendations and stressed upon the importance that IFSCA attaches to sustainable finance. He said, “The report of the committee of experts would go a long way in shaping GIFT IFSC’s strategies to emerge as an international hub for green finance, while also channelizing global capital to meet India’s net zero commitments.”
The report of the committee can be accessed through the weblink:
https://ifsca.gov.in/CommitteeReport
Ministry of Communications
Bihar Postal Circle of Department of Posts to deliver "Shahi Lichi"and "Zardalu Mango" at doorsteps of people
The Department of Posts, Government of India and Department of Horticulture, Government of Bihar have joined hands to supply ''Shahi Lichi'' & "Zardalu Mango" to the people at doorstep. Bihar Postal Circle has made an agreement with Department of Horticulture, Government of Bihar for logistics of Shahi Lichi from Muzaffarpur and Zardalu Mango from Bhagalpur and its delivery to the door step of the people.
Because of lockdown to contain the spread of corona virus, Litchi & Mangoes cultivators have been finding it difficult to carry/transport their fruits to the markets for sale. Its supply amongst people has become big challenge and so to meet the demand of public and for giving market space directly to farmers to sell their fruits without any middlemen, the Department of Horticulture, Govt.of Bihar & Department of Posts, Govt of India have joined hands for this initiative.
The ''Shahi Lichi'' of Muzaffarpur  & "Zardalu Mango" of Bhagalpur are famous in world by virtue of their unique fragrance and demand everywhere. People can place order on website "horticulture.bihar.gov.in" online.
This facility will be initially available to people of Muzaffarpur & Patna for ''Shahi Lichi'' & Patna & Bhagalpur for "Zardalu Mango" . Lichi will be booked minimum for 2 kgs and mangoes for 5 kgs.
Online booking and delivery at doorstep facility will help cultivators/farmers by earning decent profits in this new market directly. Customers will also be benefitted to get these branded fruits at their doorstep at low cost. Till now order for 4400 kgs Lichi has been placed on website.It may go upto 100000 kgs during the season. Order for Mangoes will start in last week of May.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre to release Rs.4,800 crore of food subsidy to Chhattisgarh shortly
Centre informs the State that Procurement operations for the Central Pool including quantity to be procured is solely based on the MoU signed between Government of India, Food Corporation of India and the State Government concerned.
Accordingly, the quantum of rice to be procured from Chhattisgarh for the Central Pool has been capped at 24 Lakh MT, which is equivalent to the quantity allowed in previous years
Meeting held betweenShri Piyush Goyal Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Railways and Commerce & Industry and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh
Centre will shortly release Rs.4,800 crore of food subsidy to the State of Chhattisgarh. This was informed by Shri Piyush Goyal Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution,Railways and Commerce & Industry to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in a meeting today.
During the meeting it was informed that procurement operations for the Central Pool including quantity to be procured is solely based on the MoU signed between Government of India, Food Corporation of India and the State Government concerned.
In the meeting discussion were also held regarding acceptance of 40 Lakh MT of surplus Rice in the State during KMS 2020-21.
It was clarified that the procurement operations for the Central Pool including quantity to be procured is based on the MoU signed between Government of India, Food Corporation of India and the State Government concerned.
As per the condition stipulated in the MoU, if any State gives bonus/financial incentive in direct or indirect form, over and above MSP and if the overall procurement of the State is in excess of the total allocation to the State made by Government of India under TPDS/Other Welfare Schemes, such excess quantity will be treated outside the Central Pool and will not be taken over by FCI/GoI.
During KMS 2020-21, media campaign with photograph of Hon’ble CM detailing an indirect incentive scheme of offering Rs. 10,000/- per acre to the farmers under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojna , which is similar to bonus on procurement of paddy, has been brought to notice. Accordingly, the quantum of rice to be procured from Chhattisgarh for the Central Pool has been capped at 24 Lakh MT, which is equivalent to the quantity allowed in previous years.
On the issue of shortage of gunny bags, Government of India has already permitted State Government to utilize used jute bags for procurement of paddy as well as delivery of rice for the Central Pool stocks to be consumed within the State for PDS/OWS.
This permission was given in the month of October 2020, right at the inception of KMS 20-21.
Further, the request of the State Government for permitting them to allow to deliver surplus rice to FCI also in used bags, the Government of India has agreed to consider the matter in the right spirit.
Regarding release of admissible amount of food subsidy to the State, the claims received from the State Government have been processed and approximately Rs.4,800 crore will be released shortly.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Revival of HEC plant in Jharkhand
Government of India has approved the transfer of 675.43 acres of Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited, Ranchi  land to the Government of Jharkhand to raise Rs. 742.98 crore for liquidation of statutory dues and other liabilities. Government has not finalized any scheme for revival of HEC or the transfer of HEC to Ministry of Atomic Energy.
This information was given by the Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Prakash Javadekar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Communications
New Chief Postmaster General of WB Circle
Kolkata, July 2, 2021
Smt. J. Charukesi, an officer of the 1990 batch of the Indian Postal Service has joined as the Chief Postmaster General of West Bengal Circle .
She has worked in various capacities in the Department at different places of the country like Delhi, West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
She had her schooling at Delhi and further studied at Kolkata. She had worked as Director, Postal Life Insurance, Kolkata; Director, of Postal Services, South Bengal Region; Director of Postal Services , Kolkata; Director, of Postal Services, Kolkata Region and Postmaster General, Kolkata Region, i.e., in various capacities in West Bengal Circle. Having completed her Masters from Jadavpur University, she joined the Indian Postal Service in the year 1990.
Smt. Charukesi has interest in ‘quizzing’, ‘reading’ and ‘classical music’. She is trained in Carnatic music which she pursues ardently. She is carrying the raga CHARUKESI in her name.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister pay tribute to Nanaji Deshmukh on his Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Rastra sewak Nanaji Deshmukh on his Birth Anniversary. He said “I bow to Nanaji Deshmukh, a great social worker and patriot on his birth anniversary today. He struggled and dedicated his entire life for the upliftment and welfare of villages and farmers. He his contribution to nation building is everlasting and forever commemorative.”